Tatra Mountains authorities increase fines for illegal bathing

Authorities in the Tatra Mountains are increasing enforcement of bathing bans in lakes, ponds, and streams as tourists seek relief from heatwaves. In the Polish Tatra National Park (TPN), fines for violating park regulations can reach 500 PLN. However, if a tourist also deviates from marked trails, the fine can increase to 1,000 PLN, and court-ordered fines can reach up to 5,000 PLN.

Park rangers have recently intervened at Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, issuing 700 PLN fines to tourists who both left the trail and entered the water. While patrols focus on high-traffic areas like Morskie Oko, officials note that with millions of annual visitors, it is impossible to monitor every violation. Consequently, the park emphasizes educational efforts to protect these delicate ecosystems.

On the Slovak side, the Tatra National Park (TANAP) is also tightening controls and increasing penalties. Violators face fines of up to 300 EUR. TANAP officials highlighted that these waters are precious ecosystems that serve as habitats for rare plant and animal species, which can be disrupted by human bathing.